Master Professional Product Video Shooting for Amazon / Etsy

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Importance of Product Videos in Social Media Marketing
3. Objectives of Product Videography
4. Choosing the Right Background and Base
5. Utilizing Props for Added Interest
6. The Significance of Lighting
7. Options for Lighting Your Product Videos
8. Selecting the Ideal Camera and Lens
9. Creating Movement in Your Product Videos
10. Tips and Tricks for Professional-Looking Product Shots
11. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

Welcome to DIY Film with Merle Becker, the channel where we help you make better videos! In today's video, we will be discussing the importance of product videos in social media marketing and providing you with four valuable tips on how to make your product shots look more professional and polished. So, whether you're a social media marketer or a small business owner, this article is for you.

Importance of Product Videos in Social Media Marketing

In the ever-evolving world of online purchasing, consumers have moved beyond simply relying on photos. According to a 2020 HubSpot survey, 72% of customers would rather learn about a product through video. Additionally, nearly 50% of internet users actively search for videos related to a product or service before visiting a physical store. Facebook advertising has also seen a significant increase in sales for businesses that incorporate video into their campaigns. One such example is Tiger Fitness, a brand that witnessed the power of video in boosting their sales. If you haven't already embraced video in your social media marketing strategy, you're missing out.

Objectives of Product Videography

Before diving into the technical aspects of creating professional product videos, it's essential to outline your objectives. When it comes to product videography, your goals should include:

1. Presenting your product in the best possible light.
2. Showcasing any intricate details that may not be as visible in still photos.
3. Creating a video that exudes professionalism, regardless of the size of your brand.
4. Ensuring that the process of creating product videos doesn't break the bank or consume excessive amounts of time.

Now that your objectives are clear, let's move on to the practical tips that will help you achieve your goals.

Choosing the Right Background and Base

One of the first considerations when creating product videos is determining the background and base for your shots. The choice will depend on the type of product you're shooting and the desired aesthetic. If you want a simple and clean presentation, shooting against a white seamless or a bendable poster board from a local craft store might be the ideal option. Alternatively, if your product is something typically found on a table, using a suitable base such as a round piece of wood or a piece of cloth can provide a visually appealing background. Adding interesting textures and colors related to your brand or product can also enhance the overall look of your videos. Don't forget to scour your surroundings for items that can serve as props or look for inspiration in existing product videos. Local home improvement or craft stores often offer a wide variety of materials that can be used to prop up your product and make it more visually captivating.

Utilizing Props for Added Interest

Once you have your background and base set, consider incorporating props into your product shots to make them more interesting. It's crucial to strike a balance where the props enhance the overall composition without distracting from the main focus, your product. You can use objects like flower petals, leaves, rocks, or anything else that relates to your product in some way. For example, adding decorative filler stones can bring a touch of elegance to your shots, while incorporating a mirror in the background can introduce a subtle hint of reflection. If you need assistance in propping up your product, bluestick adhesive putty can be a handy tool. Before making any purchases, don't forget to look around your house for items that can serve as props. By getting creative and exploring different options, you might be surprised at the unique additions you can find.

The Significance of Lighting

Lighting is an essential factor in creating visually appealing and professional-looking product videos. Most professional product videos are lit using diffused artificial light. The purpose of diffusion is to minimize any imperfections in your product by spreading the light evenly. If you're just starting out and don't yet have a dedicated light kit, you can achieve good overhead lighting by positioning your setup close to a window during the brightest part of the day. Hang a sheer white curtain in front of the window to diffuse the incoming light. To ensure even lighting, place white foam board on the opposite side of your product to reflect back some of that light. However, if you plan to shoot products frequently and want consistent lighting conditions, consider investing in a reasonably priced video light kit and blackening out your windows. This will free you from the constraints of changing weather conditions and provide you with greater control over your lighting setup. If you need recommendations for choosing a video light kit, refer to my three-point lighting video. Additionally, remember that bright white light may not always be the best choice for every product. Depending on the desired mood and ambiance, you may opt for darker and more dramatic lighting. Experimenting with RGB accent lights, such as the Luma Cube Pro, can also add a unique touch to your videos. The Luma Cube Pro allows you to adjust the lighting color according to your preferences and can be attached to the hot shoe of your camera for on-the-go lighting solutions.

Selecting the Ideal Camera and Lens

When it comes to achieving professional-looking product videos, the camera and lens you choose play a crucial role. Professionals often shoot product videos using full-frame cameras paired with a macro lens. These cameras possess superior sensors, allowing for better image quality, and the macro lens enables you to capture intricate details up close. However, you don't necessarily need high-end equipment to achieve satisfactory results. For example, shooting with older models like the Canon 7D, paired with an 18-55 lens, can still produce excellent footage suitable for platforms like Etsy or other web content. While it's beneficial to have top-of-the-line gear, the camera and lens shouldn't hold you back from creating engaging and visually captivating product videos.

Creating Movement in Your Product Videos

One of the advantages of video over still photos is the ability to incorporate movement into your shots. Movement grabs viewers' attention and adds an extra dimension to your storytelling. Humans are naturally drawn to movement, as it has been ingrained in us from ancient times as a survival instinct. When it comes to product videos, movement can be achieved in various ways. You can move the camera itself, move the product within the frame, or even manipulate the lighting to create dynamic effects.

If you own a video tripod, a simple pan left or right, or an upward or downward tilt can provide an effective way to showcase product details while adding fluid movement to your shots. Another option is to invest in a slider, a motorized device that allows you to smoothly slide your camera towards your product. Sliders are especially useful when you want to create elegant and controlled movements in your videos. It's important to note that attempting to achieve stable shots handheld often results in shaky footage, so using a tripod or slider is highly recommended.

In addition to moving the camera, you can also create captivating product videos by moving the product itself. This can be done by gradually repositioning the product bit by bit throughout the shooting process and creating animations in the editing phase. Another exciting method involves using a turntable, specifically a 30-degree turntable available on platforms like Amazon. By placing your product on the turntable and adjusting the colored lights, you can produce visually intriguing shots. For example, spinning an object while using a black velvet cloth as the background and adding a blue light from above can create mesmerizing visual effects. Consider experimenting with different techniques to match the mood and style of your brand or product.

Tips and Tricks for Professional-Looking Product Shots

Now that you have a solid understanding of the technical aspects involved in creating product videos, let's explore some additional tips to help you achieve a professional look:

1. Play around with different setups and shooting techniques to find what works best for your specific product. Sometimes, certain shots may look better on a computer screen than they did in the moment of shooting, so don't be afraid to experiment and refine your approach.
2. Remember that less can often be more. Avoid cluttering your product shots with unnecessary elements or props that may distract from the main focus.
3. Pay attention to small details and make sure your product is clean, well-presented, and properly arranged within the frame.
4. If you want to capture shots of cold beverages, consider using fake ice instead of real ice. Plastic ice cubes are affordable, uniform in shape, and won't melt while you're shooting. This ensures that your shots remain consistent and visually appealing throughout the process.
5. When planning your product videos, take inspiration from other successful videos in your niche. Analyze their composition, lighting, camera movements, and editing techniques. However, strive to put your unique spin on these ideas to make your videos stand out and accurately represent your brand.

Conclusion

Product videos have become an indispensable tool in social media marketing. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can elevate your product shots and create compelling videos that captivate your audience. Remember to focus on your objectives, choose appropriate backgrounds and props, master the art of lighting, select suitable camera equipment, and incorporate movement to bring your products to life. Through constant experimentation and refinement, your product videos will become a powerful asset in attracting and engaging customers, driving sales, and showcasing your brand's unique identity. So, go ahead and start implementing these strategies to make your product videos the best they can be!